The Category 5 storm was expected to make landfall in Florida this weekend.

A handful of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have either evacuated their students, closed campus, cancelled classes, or all of the above in preparation for Category 5 Hurricane Irma’s expected landfall in and near a handful of southern states this weekend. The Weather Channel was predicting “the worst case scenario” in Florida, where four HBCUs were bracing for Irma’s expected wrath.

Not only was Florida A&M University (FAMU) suspending its classes and closing its main campus in Tallahassee, it was forced to cancel a number of its signature events that coincide with the beginning of the fall semester, such as the President’s Convocation.

It was unclear whether students at Edward Waters College were ordered to leave the Jacksonville campus, but the college announced it would “be closed for all activities beginning Friday, September 8, with plans to resume normal campus operations on Wednesday, September 13.” There was a chance Irma could “pass near Jacksonville” as a Category 1 hurricane, the weakest designation for such a storm, according to local news outlet News4Jax.

Florida wasn’t the only state in Irma’s sights, as shown by South Carolina State University (SCSU) canceling a soccer match against Gardner-Webb University as well as its football game against Charleston Southern University. The latter closed its campus Thursday night and issued a mandatory evacuation order for students living there to leave by noon on Friday.

“When faced with situations such as the impending hurricane expected to impact South Carolina, we always want to exercise caution and use good judgment to ensure students’ safety,” SCSU Athletics Director Stacy Danley said in a brief statement.

Sunday's match at South Carolina State University has been cancelled due to anticipated weather conditions. pic.twitter.com/BnNOBHuBnN

A state of emergency was declared in North Carolina, although it was unclear how or if Hurricane Irma might affect the state. Still, while not taking any immediate actions, North Carolina A&T University told its students to remain vigilant and watch for any updates from the school.

On the flip side, at least one HBCU was offering to help the people and families being displaced by Irma. Alabama State University (ASU) will be using a part of its campus to shelter Irma evacuees, the school’s president announced Thursday.

“We are allowing the Red Cross to use the ASU Dunn-Oliver Acadome Concourse as an official Hurricane Irma shelter, where they may house those who need shelter and assistance from what may be this century’s most catastrophic storm,” said Alabama State Interim President Leon Wilson, via HBCU Digest. “While the Red Cross and EMA personnel will be in charge of the process, the University community will be present to welcome the victims and assist in making ASU their home away from home.”

On a related note, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) launched the Hurricane Harvey HBCU Students’ Relief Fund on Wednesday to “provide financial support to the thousands of HBCU (historically black colleges and universities) students in Texas and Louisiana impacted by the effects of Hurricane Harvey.” It was unclear if the UNCF would either expand its existing fund to include Hurricane Irma or create a new initiative following this weekend’s storm.

11. Jerry Rice

12. Ed Bradley

13. David Banner

14. Rod Paige

15. Esther Rolle

16. Dr. Regina Benjamin

17. Wanda Sykes

18. Steve "Air II" McNair

19. Pam Oliver

19 of 22

20. Jacque Reid

20 of 22

21. The Honorable Thurgood Marshall

21 of 22

22. Honorable Mentions: Illustrious HBCU Dropouts

22 of 22

Continue reading 22 Illustrious HBCU Alums

22 Illustrious HBCU Alums

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are cornerstones of the African-American community and their graduates have shaped national politics, entertainment, business and academia. There are 106 HBCUs across the nation and each one provides a culturally rich and exemplary academic experience for their diverse and highly motivated students.
In this photo gallery, NewsOne.com recognizes HBCU graduates who have been successful leaders and trailblazers in their respective fields. While this list is by no means comprehensive, it is an eclectic sampling of the greatness that our HBCUs produce.